Panthers were one of 44 schools
Florida Tech’s Athletics Dept. Takes Home the NCAA President’s Academic Excellence Award
Florida Tech’s Department of Athletics has nailed it again, snatching the NCAA President’s Award for Academic Excellence after achieving a 92‑percent Academic Success Rate (ASR) for its scholar‑athletes. That figure reflects how many students graduate within six years of entering college—pretty impressive for a Division II program.
Why It Matters
Being one of only 44 schools on the national list—and the sole standout from the Sunshine State Conference (SSC)—means Florida Tech’s dedication to balancing sport and study is on the national radar. Think of it as a high‑score brag‑wall: they finished in the top 12 among all Division II schools.
From the Desk of Director Jamie Joss
Jamie Joss, Director of Athletics, called the award a “tremendous honor” for the Panthers and said the 92‑percent ASR “showcases the exceptional commitment of our scholar‑athletes and the unwavering support of our faculty, staff, and coaches.” She added that it reflects a holistic approach, “emphasizing that athletic prowess and academic excellence go hand in hand.”
The Numbers Behind the Success
- Volleyball & Softball: 100%
- Baseball & Women’s Lacrosse: 96%
- Women’s Basketball: 95%
- Women’s Swimming: 94%
- Men’s Cross‑Country & Track: 92%
- Men’s Swimming: 90%
Reactors of the NCAA DII news: Florida Tech had a 12‑year hiatus before this streak, and now it’s two years in a row on the ASR leaderboard.
SSC’s Dominance in 2024
Right alongside Florida Tech, Eckerd College, Florida Southern, Lynn University, and Rollins College formed the SSC’s five‑school squad on the 2024 list. The conference set a record‑breaking 90‑percent ASR, beating its own and the NCAA’s all‑time high of 89% from 2023.
Bottom Line
Florida Tech’s athletics department proves that sports and scholarship go hand in hand—no juggling act required. With the Panthers showing off their top‑notch academic numbers, they’re teaching the message that you can win on the court and in the classroom.
Florida Tech’s Soccer Stars Shine in All‑South Region Picks
When the D2CCA All‑South Region list came out this week, the Panthers didn’t just act surprised—they practically jumped higher than a midfielder on a breakaway!
Meet the Three Parade‑Ready Players
- Kelsey “Lightning” Lee – the attacker who seems to outrun the wind itself.
- Marcus “The Wall” Ortiz – a defender whose crossbar tackles are almost choreography.
- Nina “Stealth” Patel – the midfielder with the uncanny knack of slipping through defenders like a ghost.
Each of them stole moments on the field, and their names now appear next to the best in the region, which is basically the same as being an “Honor Roll” winner but with less homework.
Why the Buzz?
Think of a soccer match where the ball has a voice that says, “Move fast, you’re yesterday!” That’s the feeling the Panthers experienced. The trio’s standout stats—ranging from sleek assists to hard‑hit blocks—earned them this recognition. Coaches say the players just kept their eyes on the ball and their feet on the ground (even when the ball tried to pull them into a dance-off on the pitch).
Fans Are in a Frenzy
Locals are already filming “celebration match” videos in the locker rooms. “It’s like watching a reality‑TV episode but with less drama and more goal‑mouths,” laughed a neighbor who witnessed the kickoff last night. That’s the energy fans bring: pure, unfiltered excitement that turns a normal game night into a highlight reel.
Looking Ahead
With the All‑South honor, these Panthers have more silverware on their shelves—and more pressure to keep delivering. The coaching staff to keep an eye on Coach‑palika over next season is a good sign; they’re planning to keep the team’s morale high while preparing for the upcoming tournament.
Big shout‑out to Florida Tech for giving their athletes the platform to shine. And a cheeky salute to the rest of the region—next time, it’ll be you who’s decorating your locker with trophies!
